Chengdu Airport Transportation Guide 2026: CTU & TFU Airport Transfers

Written by Jasmine Miao | Updated February 11,2026

For travelers flying to a destination where they have never been, it’s pretty much essential to know about the local airport and how to get around it. And if you’re now looking for such information about Chengdu, then this is exactly the right place to start. Indeed, it can sometimes feel confused to travel to/from either Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), and that’s why we’re here, providing everything you’ll need as to navigate all types of transfers.

So now, follow the paragraphs step by step, and we believe you’ll eventually get to plan a smooth, stress-free airport transfer and start your Chengdu trip with full confidence.

Content Preview

• Basic Information about Chengdu’s Two International Airports
• Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) Transportation Guide
• Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) Transportation Guide
• Direct Transfers from Chengdu Airports to Top Destinations
• Decision Guide: How to Choose the Best Transfer Method
• Quick Comparison Table: Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)
• Practical Travel Tips for Chengdu Airport Transportation
• Navigate Chengdu Airport Transfer and Having a Best Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour

Basic Information about Chengdu’s Two International Airports

Chengdu has two large international airports: Shuangliu International Airport (more domestic flights) and Tianfu International Airport (more international flights). Before booking your flight, it is really necessary to know some basic information about them.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): The Original Major Hub

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) is the city’s first airport, and it’s also the nearest to downtown Chengdu (about 16–18 km). However, if you’re flying from other countries/regions, you may not get to land here. At present, Shuangliu Airport’s international traffic has shifted to Tianfu Airport and it mainly handles domestic flights.

The good news is that limited regional routes from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are planned to resume gradually in the middle of 2026.

CTU is best for:

• Domestic flights within China
• Travelers who prioritize short transfer times to the city center
• Late arrivals needing quicker taxi or metro access

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): The New Mega-Airport

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is Chengdu’s new flagship airport, and it is one of the largest aviation hubs in western China. However, compared to CTU, many have reported that it needs more preparation to get from this airport to Chengdu city center or surrounding attractions. It’s located in Jianyang, southeast of Chengdu, sits about 50–60 km from downtown. Despite the longer transfer time is not avoidable, it possesses far more international connectivity.

TFU now handles most of international and long-haul flights to or from Chengdu, including routes to Southeast Asia, East Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as many major domestic trunk routes.

TFU is best for:

• International arrivals and departures
• Long-haul flights and major airline hubs
• Travelers connecting to other international destinations

Key Differences: Location, Airlines, and Which One to Choose

• Closer to downtown: Shuangliu Airport (CTU)
• More international flights: Tianfu Airport (TFU)
• Faster city transfers: CTU
• Main international gateway: TFU

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Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) Transportation Guide

Option 1: Metro (Fast & Economical)

Shuangliu Airport is well connected by two metro lines.

• Metro Lines Serving Shuangliu Airport:

Line 10: The main airport line, the one you’re likely to take. It connects both T1 and T2 terminals to the city.

Line 19: This one does not take you to the downtown area. It is mainly used to transfer between the two airports (Tips: it shares platforms at the airport with Line 10, so see the signs carefully in case you take the wrong line).

• Travel Time: Around 45–50 minutes to downtown Chengdu. Travel time is stable and unaffected by road traffic
• Fare: About 6 RMB for most city-center destinations
• Operating Hours: Approximately 06:00–23:00; Not suitable for very late-night or early-morning arrivals.

Option 2: Airport Taxi & Ride-Hailing (Most Convenient)

Taxis rides or using ride-hailing services are best for those traveling with heavy luggage or arriving late at night.

• Where to Get a Taxi:

Terminal 1 (T1): About 50 meters south outside Exit 6 on the arrivals level.

Terminal 2 (T2): At the pedestrian crossing on the arrivals level.

• Travel Time: About 20–40 minutes, depending on traffic
• Fare: Daytime: 50–60 RMB to downtown Chengdu; Late night or heavy traffic may be higher
• Tips: Ask whether the fare includes any highway or return fees before departure. Avoid unofficial drivers soliciting rides inside the terminal, especially late at night.
• Hotline: 12328
• Best for: Groups, families, late-night arrivals, or travelers with large suitcases who want the most hassle-free transfer.

Option 3: Airport Shuttle Buses (To Key Locations)

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport Night Shuttle Bus Routes

Option 4: Car Rental at Shuangliu Airport

If you want more flexibility in your Chengdu trip, you may consider renting a car at the airport. It’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone planning trips outside downtown. And don’t worry if you have no idea how and where to do this, China Xian Tour offers reliable car rental services with GPS and English support. Come and contact us right now, and we can make your smooth trip start from the moment you arrive at Shuangliu Airport.

Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU) Transportation Guide

TFU to Downtown Chengdu: Distance & Key Challenge

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) sits about 50–63 km southeast of central Chengdu—significantly farther than Shuangliu Airport. So for most travelers, it would take a longer time for them to transfer and it also needs more planning.

Option 1: Tianfu Airport Express High–Speed Train

We strongly suggest visitors to reach central Chengdu from TFU by high-speed train. Yes, you’re hearing this right, you can actually take a high-speed train to get to the city center. This service runs between the airport and the Chengdu East Railway Station (which is also surrounded by many sight-seeing spots).

• Route: TFU Airport ↔ Chengdu East Railway Station
• Duration: About 30 minutes nonstop
• Fare (Second Class): Approximately ¥24(higher classes available)
• Schedule: Multiple daily departures from early morning to evening (e.g., trains at ~08:35, ~09:57, ~10:13, and others; exact timetable varies by date)

This rail option is ideal for anyone who wants to reach the city quickly without spending too much time on transfer. Tickets can be booked via China’s railway platform 12306, Trip.com, or at the station. >> See more details on how to buy train tickets in China

Option 2: Metro

Chengdu’s Metro Line 18 provides a direct subway link between Tianfu Airport and the city’s rail network.

• Line: Metro Line 18 (Airport Express) connects the T1/T2 metro station at TFU with Chengdu South Railway Station and beyond.
• Travel Time: Approximately 35–50 minutes to South Railway Station (express services may be closer to 35 min, and the services with multiple stops will take longer).
• Fare: Around ¥10–¥11 one way.
• Transfer Options: From South Railway Station, you can transfer to other metro lines (e.g., Line 1/Line 7) to reach downtown stops like Tianfu Square.
• Operating Hours: Generally 06:00–23:30.

Line 19: Mainly used for commuting between TFU and Shuangliu Airport.

Option 3: Airport Taxi & Ride-Hailing (For Flexibility)

For anyone who needs a door-to-door convenience, especially those with luggage or late arrivals, taxis and ride-hailing services are always the best, however, expect rather high costs.

• Pickup Locations:

Whether you arrive at T1 or T2, ride-hailing pickups are all located on Level 1 (L1) of Parking Garage 1 or 2.

If you’re taking a taxi, go to the Departure Level (L4) and follow the “Taxi” signs (in English). Taxi stands are usually outside Gates 22, 23, or 24. Taxis within Chengdu run on the meter and remember, there’s NO return surcharge. Note that the airport expressway toll (RMB 19.5, one way) is paid by the passenger.

• Travel Time: Around 50–70 minutes to central Chengdu, depending on traffic
• Typical Fare: Roughly ¥150–¥250 to downtown hotels or major stations
• Hotline: 12328

Taxis are the most flexible but also the most expensive regular public option, and surge pricing can apply at night or during peak hours.

Option 4: Tianfu Airport Shuttle Bus Network 

Pickup Locations: Pick-up points are at the ground level: outside Gate G1 for Terminal 1 and outside Gate G3 for Terminal 2, in the connecting section to the Transportation Center.

Line 1 (Airport ↔ Chunxi Road)

Line 2 (Airport ↔ Kuanzhai Alleys)

Night Line 2 (Airport ↔ Jinsha Hub)

Line 3 (Airport ↔ Panda Base)

Night Line 3 (Airport ↔ Zoo)

Line 4 (Airport ↔ Chengdu East Bus Station)

Night Line 5 (Tianfu Airport ↔ Shuangliu Airport)

Night Line 6 (Airport ↔ Global Center)

Option 5: Car Rental at Tianfu Airport

If you want more flexibility in your Chengdu trip, you may consider renting a car at the airport. It’s ideal for families, groups, or anyone planning trips outside downtown. And don’t worry if you have no idea how and where to do this, China Xian Tour offers reliable car rental services with GPS and English support. Come and contact us right now, and we can make your smooth trip start from the moment you arrive at Tianfu Airport.

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Direct Transfers from Chengdu Airports to Top Destinations

Below we have also prepared information about how to efficiently get to Chengdu’s popular spots from the airports.

To Popular Chengdu City Attractions: Tianfu Square, Chunxi Road, Jinli

These three attractions are quite near to each other, so they basically follow the same route. If traveling from Tianfu Airport, what you need to do is first take Metro Line 18 to reach Chengdu South Railway Station (the terminus of Line 18). Then transfer to Line 1 to Tianfu Square.

Chunxi Road is on line 2. You’ll have to go to Tianfu Square first (as introduced above), make a transfer there to line 2, and travel for one more stop to reach the destination.

Jinli is best accessed by metro plus a short taxi ride, this can save a lot of money for you. You can directly take the taxi/car-hailing service at South Railway Station.

From Shuangliu Airport, you can also take the metro, but this time, you’ll get on Line 10. This line also smoothly connects with Lines 1 and 2. So still, transfer to line 1 for Tianfu Square and line 2 for Chunxi Road. Jinli also needs a metro-to-taxi combination or you can directly take a taxi from the airport, it can be much cheaper than taking a taxi from Tianfu Airport.

To Chengdu Panda Base (A Top Tourist Priority)

Tianfu Airport has a direct Shuttle Bus (Line 3) that can drop you off at Chengdu Panda Base (West Gate) without transfers.

If traveling from Shuangliu Airport, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is better. Metro travel is possible but requires multiple transfers.

To Major Transport Hubs: Chengdu East / South Railway Stations

Our experience tells that Tianfu Airport Express high-speed train can most quickly take you to Chengdu East Railway Station from Tianfu Airport. And Metro Line 18 is just designed to connect Tianfu Airport with South Railway Station, which is really convenient and fast.

If traveling fom Shuangliu Airport, take metro Line 10 and then connect to Line 7 to reach both Chengdu East and South Railway Stations.

Can I transfer directly between Shuangliu and Tianfu airports?

Of course, yes. There are multiple ways to transfer between these two airports. The first one is taking metro Line 19 and the second is taking airport bus line 5. Taxi/ride-hailing services are available but they can be quite expensive (50–70 minutes and 80–150 CNY or even higher depending on traffic).

To Other Destinations: Direct Links to Chongqing & Jiuzhaigou

For those who are going to Chongqing and Jiuzhaigou from the airports, your best choice is definitely high-speed trains. Both airports’ train stations handle services running to Chongqing and Jiuzhaigou. Tianfu Airport has more direct trains to Chongqing West and Shuangliu Airport has more direct trains to Jiuzhaigou. And if you cannot take the direct ones, don’t worry, there are still many schedules available, though all need a transfer at Chengdu East Railway Station.

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Decision Guide: How to Choose the Best Transfer Method

There are indeed a lot of transfer ways available, and they each fit different types of travelers. See the following comparison to decide which one you’ll choose in the end.

Quick Comparison Table: Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)

Quick Comparison Table: Chengdu Tianfu Airport (TFU)

Practical Travel Tips for Chengdu Airport Transportation

• Avoid Taxi Scams: Always use official taxi queues or reliable ride-hailing apps like Didi.Avoid unlicensed drivers inside the terminal (many would wait right at the arrival gates and ask you if you need transfers).
• Best Travel Apps for Chengdu Transport: “Gaode Map” (Amap), “Baidu Map,” or the “Chengdu Metro / Tianfu Tong” apps for real-time metro, bus, and shuttle info. >> See more useful apps for your smooth trip in China.
• Currency Exchange: Airport banks and official exchange counters provide safe foreign currency exchange, usually at competitive rates.
• Luggage Storage: Self-Service Lockers (Short-Term) in Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU)

Service hours are usually from 05:00 to 23:00. Power banks, lithium batteries, and lighters are not accepted.

Staffed Luggage Storage Counters in Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)

These counters are ideal for large or oddly shaped luggage. ID is required, and all items must pass a security check. Pricing is charged per item.

Smart Self-Service Lockers

Smart lockers are mainly located near terminal exits, the Ground Transportation Center (GTC), and metro entrances. Fees are based on locker size and storage duration, with overnight storage supported. For a medium locker, prices are roughly ¥12–20 for 0–6 hours and ¥28–40 for 12–24 hours.

Navigate Chengdu Airport Transfer and Having a Best Chengdu Tour with China Xian Tour

After reading all of the information above, we believe you’ve got an initial understanding of how to travel around Chengdu’s airports. And the next thing to do now is planning a perfect Chengdu tour to explore the city. With multiple highlights such as Panda, Sichuan cuisine and the relaxing, slow-paced local vibe, Chengdu has attracted countless travelers from all over the world year after year. And to make the most of your journey, China Xian Tour is here waiting to be your best travel partner. We can customize itineraries for you and give you all the best services you may need. Your private guide will also take care of everything for you along the journey so that you can fully immerse yourself in Chengdu’s ultimate charm.